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"Golf is a game whose aim it is to hit a very small ball into an even smaller hole, with weapons singularly ill-designed for the purpose." |
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 Lulu Faddis was no exception. She couldn't get the image of Locklear on the course out of her head. She picked up People magazine. Then Star. And then In Touch. There was Locklear, wearing a black sweater with horizontal white stripes. Lulu knew every line and every curve because she had designed the golf sweater. Faddis, who at 35 has designed for BCBG and Seven for all Mankind and launched her own apparel company, is one of four women behind Brea-based Trigelle. In an industry where few women's golf apparel companies survive, Trigelle is growing strong, expecting to surpass $1 million in sales this year. "Everyone told us, don't do it," Faddis said. "But there was nothing out there for women to wear that looked good." If you can't find it, Faddis reckoned, then design it. She teamed with sister Liza Boquiren and a couple of friends, ignoring the warning echoed throughout the industry a few years ago. "The clothes for women golfers were not exactly feminine," Boquiren said. "We saw a surge of women golfers playing for recreation, so we decided to set the trend." Boquiren, 31, was studying endangered species and noise levels for NASA and the Air Force when she decided to join her sister. Karen Lee Santos, 30, a pharmaceutical sales representative, and Jocylyn Corpuz, also 30 and working in brand development for a water-testing company, also joined the team. While Faddis focused on the fit, function and fashion, her partners worked on sales and marketing. In 2004, Trigelle introduced its 17-piece line at the PGA's top industry show in Orlando. "It was very rough, very homegrown," Faddis said. "But we were excited to be there and people really liked our designs." Trigelle now has 70 pieces in a line that changes four times a year. The company's skorts, shorts, sweaters, pants and outerwear hang in more than 250 golf resorts, pro shops and retailers throughout the world, including The Retreat in Corona, the Classic Club and Escena in the Palm Springs area, and The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe. David Conforti, the head professional at Trump National, site of the Douglas celebrity event, said Trigelle's enthusiasm is infectious. "They are a great team, very creative," Conforti said. "They came to us in the beginning and we decided to take a chance. Trigelle offers an exotic element that is hard to find. Women of all ages love the fit and the colorful designs that are a little artsy, a little splashy." Response has been great, Conforti said, and Trump National has increased its initial order, selling about 250 pieces a year. With a new partner now handling shipping and receiving, Trigelle is focusing on its brand and changing the way women dress to play golf. "We want to contribute to a golf-friendly environment for women by offering a lifestyle brand that is both transitional and functional," Boquiren said. "Women nowadays are on the go and Trigelle offers a line of clothing that brings the sophistication, class and fun of the golf lifestyle into their everyday lives, whether or not they play golf." Trigelle's fabrics hold up to the competition, offering UV protection, moisture management and breathability. The company, which has signed on golf pros Stacy Prammanasudh, Heather Daly-Donofrio, Karen Stupples and Jeong Jang, also offers eco-friendly fabrics made with bamboo cotton, a naturally anti-bacterial fabric. They've listened to the pros, widening their back pockets and incorporating side pockets for tees and scorecards. Retail prices range from $65-$160. This fall, Trigelle will unveil its Portugal line inspired by the colors and tiles of the vibrant country. Also new is Girl Meets Boy, featuring argyles and polos, some with color blocking and others with embroidered flowers. "If you can get your foot in the door in the high-end market and make a name for yourself, you've come a long way, " Conforti said. "Trigelle has done that." SG For more information, visit trigelle.com. |
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